Novella Review - The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton (3.5/5 stars)

Reading level: Adult
Genre: Steampunk
Size: 267 KB
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: January 31, 2011
ASIN: B004GB1TB8
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: ARC from NetGalley.com
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

 
I got a copy of this novella through NetGalley(dot)com.  It looked like an insteresting read in the steampunk genre and I had read positive reviews of it on other blogs, so I decided to give a try.  Overall is was an engaging read full of mystery and action; nothing spectacular but amusing all the same.

Julia is a dancer and when her sister is murdered the London police get involved.  They are having trouble solving the case and one of the young constables takes a shining to Julia.  Then the mysterious Lady Law gets involved.  Lady Law has solved every case she has taken on for investigation and she wants to take on Julia's case pro bono.  Ends up there is more mystery behind Julia's sister's death and behind Lady Law herself than anyone ever thought.

This story was decently written and easy to read.  I enjoyed the reimagining of Victoria London to a place populated by dirigibles and steam-based contraptions.  The descriptions of contraptions was interesting and unique.  The characters don't have a ton of depth to them but they are all easy to relate to and fairly engaging.  This book really shines in some of the descriptions of settings which really make the city come alive for the reader.  I also enjoyed the strong and plucky female characters throughout.

The plot was okay.  It takes some interesting twists and the book is tied up nicely.  I thought the way things ended was a bit contrived and odd, but that's all I can really say without spoilers.  This is definitely more of an adult read.

Overall I enjoyed this novella.  While the writing style and plot are nothing spectacular, the book was still entertaining.  I did enjoy the strong female characters, the world-building, and the description of steampunk contraptions.  I am uncertain as to whether or not I will read future works by Appleton.  As I said this book was a fun quick diversion, but it wasn't anything especially spectacular.

This book went to the following reading challenges:
- 100+ Reading Challenge
- Get Steampunked!
- E-book Reading Challenge